We proudly hosted our first-ever Alumni Gallery Night, a vibrant evening dedicated to celebrating the creativity and talent of our community. The gallery featured artwork from 15 incredible After School Matters alumni artists, each bringing their unique vision and voice to the space.
It was an incredible evening filled with immense talent and meaningful connections, a true reflection of ASM’s role in helping both emerging artists build confidence and launch their creative journeys. We welcomed over 100 attendees and raised more than $1,000. It’s clear we’re building our Alumni and supporter community; people are engaged, invested, and eager for more opportunities like this in the future. One standout touch: each of the featured alumni artists received a rose upon arrival. They held them proudly, and it became a beautiful, visual way for attendees to identify and connect with the artists.
The energy in the room was filled with pride and joy as alumni shared their stories, reflected on their time in programs, and showcased how their experiences continue to shape their artistic paths today.
“Arts education changes lives. It’s a powerful outlet for teenagers and young people—even if they don’t pursue the arts as a career. But if they do, it’s an incredible way to get early training. I don’t meet many artists who received free training—or were paid to learn.” — Qiara Riley, ASM alum and artist
In a powerful show of giving back, many of the artists chose to donate half—or even all—of the proceeds from the sale of their artwork to support current Chicago teens in ASM programs. Their generosity will help create new opportunities for the next generation to explore their passions, just as ASM once did for them.
Since 1991, ASM has encouraged young people across Chicago to express themselves, build confidence, and discover their passions through the arts. Over the years, more than 450,000 teens have participated in programs—many going on to pursue careers in the arts, and countless others using the skills they gained to thrive in a wide range of professions.
Alumni Gallery Night was more than an exhibition—it was a reminder of ASM’s lasting impact on teens, families, and the city of Chicago. Our alumni continue to inspire by giving back, lifting others up, and proving that when teens have a place to create and grow, they carry those lessons for life.
A special thank you to our alumni artists—the night wouldn’t have been possible without you!
- Angel Cepeda Ochoa
- Alexandra Galvan
- Celina Garduno
- Emily Go
- Andrea Guerrero
- Martin Hernandez
- Katie Lopez-Tellez
- Jennifer Norton
- Isaac Ortega
- Qiaira Riley
- Brice Samuels
- Sydney Shepard
- Yahaira Tarr
- Mimi Thran
- Janessa Tyler